As the months grow colder and colder, it seems like there’s less for children to do. But many area programs are offered to provide children of all ages a way to develop health and fitness, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

City of Adrian Parks and Recreation programs heat up beginning in late winter with indoor soccer and floor hockey, but there are programs for young children in soccer and basketball beginning in January. There are also drawing classes and the popular parent/child activities.

“We try to offer more parent/child programs, where kids can partner with one or both parents or even another family adult,” said director Mark Gasche.

In February, Adrian hosts its popular Daddy-Daughter Dance, where girls age 5 to 12 receive gift bags and participate in a dance and balloon drop.

“If a father cannot be there, a grandfather, uncle, cousin — any male figure important in that little girl’s life — can attend,” Gasche said.

Also in February is a Mother-Son Night Out, featuring games family members can play together or against each other. This night will feature a demonstration of remote-controlled flying by Bits and Pieces R/C Airplane Club.

“Another focus on our programming is on gaining fitness, motor skills and developing good exercise habits with the goal of reducing childhood obesity,” Gasche said. “Our Toddler Short Sports program, for instance, offers kids ages 21⁄2 to 4 an introduction to a variety of sports such as soccer, track and golf so they can get a feel for what activities they want to do.”

Most of these activities are held at the Piotter Center, 327 Erie St., Adrian. Additional information can be found by visiting tinyurl.com/AdrianPandR or calling 264-4872.

“Of course, if we ever get snow, we also have the sledding hill at Heritage Park, just past the soccer fields,” Gasche said.

“We have been getting really good feedback on our tumbling sessions,” said Bronson Gonzales, program director. “There are three age divisions, including the toddler Mommy and Me division, which we have received very good feedback on.”

“In YMCA swim lessons, participants learn and practice new swimming skills and feel a sense of achievement from mastering something new that they can enjoy the rest of their lives,” said Candra Stewart, YMCA aquatic coordinator. “While participating in fun water sports and games, children increase their physical activity levels, are connected to others in the class, make new friends and recognize new role models.”

“At the YMCA, we are all-inclusive and everybody is welcome,” Gonzales said. “We work to create a more comfortable environment for kids to learn great activities. We also offer a variety of activities for adults, so parents can join a fitness class knowing their child is playing a sport next door in a safe and encouraging environment.”

Christian Family Centre

The Christian Family Centre, 1800 W. U.S. 223, Adrian, offers a program called Impact Sports, which serves youth ages 5 to 14 with fundamentals instruction and competitions in sports such as basketball, volleyball, cheerleading and soccer.

“All Impact leagues balance great instruction in fundamentals with competitive fun in a positive, Christ-centered environment,” said Stacy Gamel, director of programs. “We are committed to using sports as a vehicle for children to develop life skills such as respect, integrity, character, accountability, humility, and teamwork from a Biblical perspective.”

Impact Sports is operated by The Centre in partnership with several local churches and community sponsors. Like many other programs, parent volunteers serve as coaches, scorekeepers and concession stand workers.

“We are humbled that the community chooses us to spend their Saturdays with,” Gamel said. “For us, Saturday is game day. We work hard Monday through Friday so we can enjoy Saturday with our youth and our families.”

The Centre also offers swim lessons, open swim times and open gym times. For more information, visit www.thecentre.info or call 263-6232.

Blissfield Parks and Recreation

Blissfield is currently not offering winter recreation programs for youth, but a new director has been recently hired and preparations are being made for spring soccer signups.

Eric May, who has served on the park board for five years, will spearhead the youth rec programs.

“Next winter we guarantee to have youth programs,” May said. “We are in the process of fine-tuning what was already offered and seeking out new opportunities for youth, adults and seniors.”

Tecumseh Parks and Recreation

Tecumseh’s Parks and Recreation district offers basketball for age 3 to 10, pickle ball, badminton for ages 9 to 15, and a bowling league.

“It’s a great opportunity to introduce your little ones to sports activities and a great way to burn off energy especially during cold-weather months,” said Shelley Lim, director of cultural and leisure services. “As children get older, our programs get more detailed — our focus is on children learning, sportsmanship, team play. It’s a well-rounded experience.”

Page 3 of 3 - The city will be holding an open house Jan. 17 to celebrate the opening of the new AJ Smith Recreation Center, which will allow programs to be housed in one location.